Old-Fashioned Hoop Cheddar Cheese

Pairings and Complementary Flavors:

Cocktails: Whiskey Sour, Old Fashioned, Gin and Tonic, Margarita, Bloody Mary
~ The depth of the whiskey and the tart lemon in a traditional Whiskey Sour provides a nice balance to the creaminess of the cheese.
~ The sweetness and warmth in a Whiskey Old Fashioned can stand up to the cheese’s pronounced flavor.
~ The botanical notes in a Gin and Tonic offer a refreshing and zesty contrast to the cheese’s richness, while the sour profile of a Margarita enhances the tangy, salty notes of Hoop Cheddar.
~ The savory, spicy, tangy flavors in a classic Bloody Mary complement the rich, tangy profile.

Wine: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, Zinfandel, Pinot Noir
~ A buttery oaked Chardonnay complements the creaminess of the hoop cheddar.
~ Sauvignon Blanc, known for its crisp acidity and citrus notes, offers a refreshing contrast.
~ Syrah’s spicy, dark fruit notes will create a lively contrast with the cheese’s creamy texture and tangy flavor, while the berry flavors and peppery notes in Zinfandel create a delightful contrast with the cheese’s tanginess.
~ A light to medium-bodied Pinot Noir, with red fruit flavors and soft tannins, offers a balanced and harmonious pairing.

Beer: IPA, Brown Ale, Amber Ale, Porter, Saison
~ The hop-forward bitterness and citrusy notes of an IPA contrast beautifully with the creamy notes and tanginess of the cheese.
~ Brown Ale harmonizes the cheese’s richness with its multi-sweetness and nutty undertones.
~ The balanced malt sweetness and mild hop bitterness in Amber Ale can be a versatile pairing option for Hoop Cheddar.
~ Porter’s roasted malt and slight chocolate notes create a cozy pairing.
~ The effervescence and fruity, slightly spicy character of Saison will offer this cheese a lively contrast.

Accompaniments: Crackers, baguettes, fresh fruits, nuts, jam, honey, pickled vegetables
~ Crusty baguettes or whole-grain crackers enhance the cheese’s creaminess and contrast nicely with its nutty undertone.
~ Apples, pears, and grapes offer a crisp, sweet contrast, while dried fruits provide a chewy texture and concentrated sweetness.
~ Walnuts, pecans, and almonds enhance the cheese’s earthy flavors. Fig jam or honey’s natural sweetness complements the cheddar’s tang, while pepper jelly delivers a nice spicy kick with a delightful contrast.
~ Cornichons, green, or kalamata olives, with their brininess, contrast with the creamy texture of this cheddar, but if you are looking for harmony to the creaminess, try something with a higher fat content like ham, salami, or prosciutto.

Suggested uses:

Pair with fruits, nuts, crackers, and meats to create a visually stunning charcuterie board

It brings richness and flavor to grilled cheese sandwiches, macaroni and cheese, burgers, pizza, omelets, frittatas, potato dishes, salads, pasta, and casseroles.

Provides added depth and flavor to soups, sauces, and dips.